Author: select999

2014 produced some of the best concept bikes we’ve seen in a while. As per tradition, the usual suspects made what we can only assume were their best efforts to outdo each other, and true to form, some impressed more than others. We’ve looked into the top three picks for 2014.

The BMW concept roadster, revealed at the 2014 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, is a step up in appearance from 2013’s BMW concept ninety which was retro-styled to exemplify the spirit of BMW Motorrad’s 90th anniversary. For those of you who love a sleek, modern aesthetic, the BMW concept roadster is bound to stir up some emotion. The Boxer Twin powered machine not only looks good, it can go too. Although BMW hasn’t officially released the bike’s weight, its compact build brings the sense that it shouldn’t be too heavy which if true, should produce a scintillating power to weight ratio given that the 1,170cc liquid-cooled Boxer produces an impressive 125hp and 92lb-ft of torque. The racing inspired seat, and the general rear section is perhaps the bike’s most striking features. Milled from a solitary chunk of aluminium, the rear section gives the bike a crouched, attacking shape which could be frightening for the faint-hearted. The concept is a dream for bike lovers, but unfortunately, this somewhat extreme concept is likely to have trouble getting approved for road use.

This time round, Ducati seems to have gone for comfort and versatility more than anything. Incorporating three riding modes (urban, touring and sport), an adjustable seat and adjustable passenger grab handles; the Monster 1200 is a bike for any occasion. Safety for both the passenger and driver is also a major concern for Ducati as is made evident by the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) which is standard along with the 9MP ABS system and the 8-level Ducati Traction Control. The Ducati Monster 1200 has a raw iconic design which appeals to the less is more’ kind of rider. At about 209kg, it is powered by a liquid-cooled, L-Twin second generation of the Testastretta 11 DS engine. With 4 valves per cylinder, and dual spark (DS) ignition which ensures quick complete combustion, the Monster’s 1198cc engine delivers a maximum of 135hp and 87lb-ft of torque which is more than enough power to get your juices flowing. Passionate riders love to take care of their bikes, but the Ducati Monster doesn’t really need all the attention, which is great. The valve clearance adjustment needs service after every 30,000km and an oil change is necessary after every 15,000km which reduces the cost of maintenance. The Ducati monster 1200 would make a great bike for everyday use.

Revealed at the Osaka motorcycle show, the Honda NM4 Vultus is one to look out for. The low, extended horizontal elements give a futuristic look which is akin to the CTX design concept. The bike is fully lit using LED and rides on an 18”, 200mm wide rear tire which gives an aggressive appearance from the back. The bikes massive front end, and a low seat at 25.59″ from the ground are definitely some of its most apparent features and add to the neo-futuristic’ look. However, at 745cc, the Honda’s twin clutch engine is a bit behind its competitors. Honda claims the concept is planned for production, though no dates were mentioned.

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The biggest update for 2012 happens under the hood, where BMW has done away with the naturally-aspirated in-line six-cylinder engine of the previous Z4 sDrive30i and replaced it with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the new Z4 sDrive28i. The Z4 sDrive35i retains its 300-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six, and the Z4 sDrive35is packs 335 horsepower from a twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder. Despite the downsizing, the new turbocharged four-cylinder provides nearly as much horsepower (240 hp) and a bit more torque than its predecessor. Paired with the six-speed manual transmission (an eight-speed automatic is available) it’s a fun, smooth-driving car with a nice little turbo kick in the mid-range. The sDrive35i comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission as well, with an option upgrade to a seven-speed dual-clutch unit, which marries the connected driving experience of the manual with the comfort and ease of an automatic. The dual-clutch is standard on the sDrive35is.